From refugees fleeing war to local kids who have risked it all, this Socceroos team represents the many stories of modern Australia, writes Samantha Lewis.
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""A nation aware of its weaknesses as well as its strengths, which knows it is not the greatest but which always, deep down, believe it could be. A nation of doers, a nation of dreamers, a nation of hard work and helping hands. A nation that is forever changing, but which still maintains that thing — that feeling, that spirit, that identity, whatever you want to call it — that generations of Socceroos have embodied since the first team formed 100 years ago.""
The Socceroos are more than just a football team. They're a reflection of everything that makes Australia what it is
"It's been like that forever," Arnold said. "We had so many nationalities that came out and lived in Australia. They got their Australian passports and became Australian citizens. Our country gave them that chance.
"I think back to some great moments in time where you're playing against the nations where they were born. One memory is from 2006 when we played Croatia at the World Cup: We had Tony Popovic, Zjelko Kalac, Josip Skoko, Mark Viduka, all Croatian boys. And their determination to beat their home country was incredible.
"It's the Australian way, always having that passion. That badge on your heart. You see it with the team now: Jason Cummings coming here all the way from Scotland because he had a dream to play for Australia. He has that opportunity. It's the same as Garang Kuol.
"The reason I did the Olympic team was to help the kids. They're all from different nations, and we've had some that have gone through tragic things early in their lives. They've come to Australia as refugees and Australia has helped them pursue their passion.
"Awer Mabil has more tears in his eyes when he plays for Australia than probably most people who were born here. It's the gratitude to what our nation has done for them, for their families, for their communities.
"That's what Australia is. It's a multicultural nation. And the Socceroos are probably the biggest reflection of that."
Many journeys. One jersey.